Spring into spring cleaning

Make a game plan

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when going through items. Do you keep them, save them for later or throw them away? To combat this, set a realistic goal – like doing just one room to start. Start small; then expand.

Get help

Do you have items in your home that are too big or too heavy for you to handle on your own? Enlist the help of friends. Who knows, they might even want something you’re getting rid of.

Recycle/Reduce

Instead of throwing an unwanted item in the trash, recycle it at a local recycling center. Note that in some areas, it may even be illegal to put consumer electronics in the trash. And for big appliances, look to your energy providers for help. They may have free haul away programs or incentives for upgrading your old appliances.

Donate

Unwanted clothes? See about donating them to a homeless shelter. Extra notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons or markers? Look into an after-school program, summer camp or daycare that may need extra supplies.

Sell

Do you have items that have some extra life left? Consider selling your items online, through a garage sale or at a consignment shop. Reselling your items gives others the opportunity to get what they need at a lower cost, frees up space in your home and doesn’t put extra waste into landfills.

Clean as you go

Nothing is worse than decluttering your space, only to realize you have boxes to get rid of or piles of trash to throw away. As you clean, take moments to throw away trash, sweep your space and wipe surfaces.

Enjoy

Take the time to enjoy your new space. You did it!